Replies

1. 
   McDesign | Jul 14, 2007 03:56am | #1

   My secret is to go to a particular dumpster behind a carpet store and get offcuts from installs.  Works like a charm, and cushions, too, if I'm knocking down a plaster ceiling.

   Forrest

2. 
   JTC1 | Jul 14, 2007 04:21am | #2

   I use 4x8 sheets of 1/8" MDF ~ $5. per sheet.  Protects from dropped tools, dust will not penetrate.

   Masking or duct tape at the seams and that blue painters tape at the edges.

   Floor needs to be clean before the MDF is layed - grit underneath can cause problems.

   Sweep / vac frequently, especially around the edges.

   Jim

   Never underestimate the value of a sharp pencil or good light.

3. 
   Mongo | Jul 14, 2007 04:55am | #3

   4' by 8' sheets of 1/2" homasote.

   They're soft enough to absorb grit, durable enough to be reused over and over.

1. 
   jimblodgett | Jul 14, 2007 05:03am | #4

   Those are all good suggestions. 

   I like old carpet pad - always pulling that crap out. Huck said it first. I just agreed with him.

2. 
   siskiyou | Jul 16, 2007 05:55am | #8

   What is homosote anyway? Thanks

1. 
   billybatts | Jul 16, 2007 08:08am | #9

   a product out of San Fran

1. 
   Mongo | Jul 16, 2007 07:21pm | #14

   Homasote.

2. 
   UncleDunc | Jul 16, 2007 10:44am | #10

   What is homosote anyway?It's like Celotex, but without the asphalt.

3. 
   RedfordHenry | Jul 16, 2007 01:59pm | #11

   homosote, AKA "soundboard".  I have a small stack of 1/4" luan plywood that I've been using to protect floors.  Inexpensive and lightweight.

4. 
   Mongo | Jul 16, 2007 07:20pm | #13

   It's made from recycled paper or cellulose, with an adhesive binder to hold it together. Sheets are gray colored, 4' by 8'. Slightly rough texture to the sheet.Normally marketed as a sound deadening board for use in wall or ceiling construction.Also used as a commercial interior wall covering, normally covered with a fabric of some sort. Looks like a fabric covered panel. Makes a great bulletin board, thumb tacks, etc.Mongo

4. 
   Cooper | Jul 15, 2007 06:52am | #5

   Use the carpet AND the MDF (Taped together, but NEVER to the floor, even with "Blue Tape"; made that dumb mistake and pulled the tape AND the finish with it!)

5. 
   vintage1 | Jul 15, 2007 04:16pm | #6

   you could also use the interlocking foam rubber mats. 

   http://www.softtiles.com/?gclid=CKzL-o3RqY0CFQ1dPgod1k0c0Q

   not the cheapest, but they are nice to stand on, can be interlocked to accommodate different room sizes, stay where you put them, and can be reused.

1. 
   JulianTracy | Jul 15, 2007 05:35pm | #7

   I've just found a product that I think is better than all of the above suggestions combined.At Lowes, they have a garage floor carpeting that's about 8'x21'.It's very thin grey carpeting with a thin rubber backing. It rolls up easily but doesn't have the kindof "memory" to where the curve of the rolling up stays with it all day - it flattens right out in use.I cut it into 3 pcs., a 4'x7'/4x14/and a 4x21'. Cost about $55 for the whole roll.It will not slip on a newly installed prefinished HW floor and iss easy to roll up and can be hosed off if ever needed.It has worked out very well for me and seems to solve all of the floor protection problems I run into.JTJT

6. 
   maverick | Jul 16, 2007 03:00pm | #12

   pergo underlayment works real nice. it does'nt slide around so there's no need for tape. when you're done just roll it up, its reusable